On the way backfrom an early dinner out yesterday,I asked my family if someonewould walk with meto get the mail, once we arrived home.

I didn't have any takers.

You see, our mailboxisn't just at the end of our sidewalk.It's one of those cluster typein the neighborhood...quite a walk from our house.

I don't mind really.Unless it's close to 100 degrees outside.And that was whyno one wanted to join me.

Now, you may livein a more temperate climate,but here in Texas,we know all about the blazing sun.And if you've ever stayed out under itfor any length of timeyou have a greater appreciationfor even the slightest sliver of shade.

​He who dwellsin the secret place of the Most High,Shall abide underthe shadow of the Almighty.Psalm‬ ‭91:1‬ ‭NKJV

How beautiful is that to me!Dwelling in a secret place...abiding under the shadow of God.

You know, often we think of shadowsas dark and ominous objectsthat representsomething fearful or negative.

A shadow of doubt.A period of gloom or unhappiness.A darkness that stealsmuch needed light.

But here,abiding under the shadow of the Almighty...it is a safe and secret place.I think of it as finding coverfrom the blazing sun,protection from it's damaging rays.And a gentler, cooler place to restfrom the oppressive heat of the day.

All of these, may be physical reliefs,but certainly lifters of stressand burden also.

I will say of the Lord,“He is my refuge and my fortress;My God, in Him I will trust.”Psalm 91:2

How beautiful it isthat we can speak of our faith,verbally, openly, in word and song.For that is wheneven our own ears hearthat which we believe.And that becomes a boost,an encouragement...not only to those around us,but even unto our own soul.

Keep in mind, these are Psalms, or songs.Yes, they are words written on a pagethat we read.But words to songsthat were set to musicsung aloud to praise the Lord...and to encouragethe hearts of those singing.

So we too should at least​speak them aloudeven if we do not know the tune.

I will often read the wordsand re-write them in a journal,but take the pronouns and change theminto personal verse...then they become my own.Then they pierceand penetrate my heart.

Because I have made the Lord,who is my refuge,Even the Most High, my dwelling place,No evil shall befall me,Nor shall any plaguecome near my dwelling;For He shall give His angelscharge over me,To keep me in all His ways.In their hands they shall bear me up,Lest I dash my foot against a stone.Psalm 91:9-12 (personalized)

It simply means so much more to meand I believe it is no offense to the Lord.For he knows the motives of my heartare not to change His word,but to love it, and to live it out for myself.

And then, at the end of this Psalmthe tables are turned.And we are no longer the lipsbut the ears...We are not speaking our praiseto Him, but ratherlistening to the Almighty Himself.

And He says of us..“Because he has set his love upon Me,therefore I will deliver him;I will set him on high,because he has known My name.He shall call upon Me,and I will answer him;I will be with him in trouble;I will deliver him and honor him.With long life I will satisfy him,And show him My salvation.”Psalm 91:14-16

Wow!He will satisfy meand show me His salvation.Breath taking!

This too, can personalized,changing the he's and him's to...you's and your's. And then I may just catch you off guard.

How I love this word... this Psalm 91.What a beautiful place to dwell...in this secret place.

O, that I could stay here all day.Though I must ventureout into the world,take on the tasks of the day,meet up with stress and strife,tackle obstacles and frustrations.

Yet, I can still set my mind here...my heart and my soul can still dwellin this secret place.

For I know that I am never truly farfrom the shadow of the Almighty...not even when I walkin the blazing Texas sunall the way to the mailbox and back.

Word of God,train me, today...to daily dwell in the secret place,this shafow of Your shelter.to know that if I seek You first,​You will always protect and guide.